Intelligent screens reign in the automobile
Volkswagen is one of the most successful taxi producers in the world. Even in New York, the first Volkswagens are appearing as Yellow Cabs. Volkswagen’s decades of experience in the taxi business are also expressed in the Milano Taxi’s interior concept.
The interior: The front passenger seat was quite intentionally left out on this taxi. In its place, there is a cargo space for luggage; the design of the instrument panel in this area was modified accordingly, creating additional space. Since luggage does not need to be lifted high over a sill, it is easy for passengers to stow the luggage themselves and secure it with a holding bracket at the press of a button. The actual bootspace behind the rear bench is only intended for small articles of gear; this is done to free up as much space for rear passengers as possible. And it is truly abundant: Knee room behind the driver’s seat rivals that of full-size luxury saloons (120 millimetres). A passenger sitting on the right rear seat can even stretch out his or her legs completely thanks to the nonexistent front passenger seat. In the rear, interior height is nearly unlimited too, thanks to a headroom dimension of 994 millimetres.
Driving emissions-free
The Milano Taxi, with its top speed of 120 km/h is driven by an electric motor with a peak power of 85 kW (continuous power: 50 kW). The motor is supplied with energy via a lithium-ion battery integrated in the concept car’s underbody. Thanks to the implemented battery storage capacity of 45 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the relatively low vehicle weight (1,500 kilograms), despite the battery, it is possible to cover distances of up to 300 kilometres (per NEDC) depending on driving style. The storage battery can readily be recharged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity in just over one hour, the exact time depending on the available recharging infrastructure and battery’s momentary charge state.
Volkswagen is one of the most successful taxi producers in the world. Even in New York, the first Volkswagens are appearing as Yellow Cabs. Volkswagen’s decades of experience in the taxi business are also expressed in the Milano Taxi’s interior concept.
 |
| Photo: Volkswagen |
The interior: The front passenger seat was quite intentionally left out on this taxi. In its place, there is a cargo space for luggage; the design of the instrument panel in this area was modified accordingly, creating additional space. Since luggage does not need to be lifted high over a sill, it is easy for passengers to stow the luggage themselves and secure it with a holding bracket at the press of a button. The actual bootspace behind the rear bench is only intended for small articles of gear; this is done to free up as much space for rear passengers as possible. And it is truly abundant: Knee room behind the driver’s seat rivals that of full-size luxury saloons (120 millimetres). A passenger sitting on the right rear seat can even stretch out his or her legs completely thanks to the nonexistent front passenger seat. In the rear, interior height is nearly unlimited too, thanks to a headroom dimension of 994 millimetres.
Driving emissions-free
The Milano Taxi, with its top speed of 120 km/h is driven by an electric motor with a peak power of 85 kW (continuous power: 50 kW). The motor is supplied with energy via a lithium-ion battery integrated in the concept car’s underbody. Thanks to the implemented battery storage capacity of 45 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the relatively low vehicle weight (1,500 kilograms), despite the battery, it is possible to cover distances of up to 300 kilometres (per NEDC) depending on driving style. The storage battery can readily be recharged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity in just over one hour, the exact time depending on the available recharging infrastructure and battery’s momentary charge state.
Article Gallery